UMH Banquet

If you were unable to attend the UMH Banquet this year, please start thinking about it for next year. We all had a great time! There were auctions, presentations, and awards. Many folks were recognized for their contributions throughout the year. Diana Wright received the volunteer award for her outstanding service. Jamie Derickson was the receipient of the sportsman award for his great attitude. The Visionary Award was given this year to Larry Patterson for his hard work reorganizing the Breeder's Cup Program. Many donations were made for this year and next allowing outstanding stallions to be recognized. The High Money Horse was presented to Charlie DeAtley and SRF's Silver Sundown. Woo Hoo! Great job everyone.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Stoner Ridge Farm
2009 UMH High Points

RPM’s Squirrel’s Blackfoot owned by Randy and Regina Jones, Conway, AR
1st - 2-3 YO Open Trail Pleasure
1st - Open Four Gait

Sandman’s Taking Chances previously owned by Don and Nancy Copland, Brookville, IN
2nd - Open Four Gait

Pepper’s Capital Venture owned by Steve Heuslein, LaCrescent, MN
1st - 3 YO Stallions & Geldings Classic

Gaitway’s Jasmine Joy owned by Steve Heuslein, LaCrescent, MN
1st - Adult Versatility
1st - Mares Country Trail Pleasure
3rd - Open Western Pleasure
3rd - Adult Trail Obstacle
3rd - High Money Horse

SRF’s Silver Sundown owned by Steve Heuslein, LaCrescent, MN
1st - Open Western Pleasure
1st - Stallions Trail Pleasure
1st - Trail Pleasure Championship
1st - High Money Horse
2nd - Adult Versatility
2nd - Men’s Open Trail

RRF Gold Nugget owned by Steve Heuslein, LaCrescent, MN
1st - Geldings Classic Pleasure

Rider Awards
Steve Heuslein
3rd - Open Amateur Country Trail

Marcia Spencer
2nd - Open Novice Trail Pleasure

Lyngle Lawson
2nd - Non Pro Classic

J.T. Hickey
3rd - Juvenile 11 & Under Country Trail
2nd - Juvenile Trail Obstacle
3rd - Youth Versatility

Lauren Hickey
2nd - Juvenile 17 & Under Western
2nd - Youth Versatility
3rd - Juvenile Trail Obstacle

Lead Line Participant
Ella Tillery & Ruby DeAtley

SRF Welcomes Joan Miller to Apprenticeship Program

Joan Miller from Millersburg, OH joined the SRF team last Monday to begin an apprenticeship. She will be coming for one week sessions as she can schedule time off work. Joan has has quite a bit of horse experience (even barrel racing) but she felt the need to establish a more firm foundation in order to work with her Rocky Mountain mare. We had a great time with her this week. She worked with Robert in the round pen quite extensively. She also rode several horses throughout the week. She's posted some of her experiences on Facebook. We can't wait for her next visit.

Simple Pleasures

In times such as these, it is so easy to get caught up in negativity. We worry about the economy or we worry about school or friends or finances. If you need to escape the worry for a little while, please take a moment to read the story below. It will remind you of why we all have horses in our lives. "Simple Freedom" was written by 13 year old Lauren Hickey who is taking riding lessons with Erin. Her usual mount is World Grand Champion Barb's Stormy Knight owned by Don and Nancy Copland. Lauren went home after a particularly enjoyable lesson and wrote her story in about 10 minutes. She is a strong competitor in the show ring and an excellent student. Enjoy . . .

Simple Freedom
By: Lauren Hickey

The breeze weaved through my hair and flowed around my face. A small expanse of fenced in blue grass stretched before me and my friend. I could hear his breathing as he tasted the air. There were no rules; we were allowed to roam the small pasture. Sensing his new freedom, my companion started into a brisk walk. I clutched the reins a bit tighter, but he knew this wasn’t a show ring. Soon, he sped up to a gait. Faster and faster he started to transform. I let him do as he pleased yet tried to stay in control. The longer we gaited around the small enclosed expanse of grass, the freer he felt. I could feel it too. I could feel the barely controlled excitement. I soaked in the sun and wind and forgot the worries of school and the world. All I knew, all we knew, all we cared about, was the perfect day. I slowed him down a bit, but he hated it. His instincts took over and all he wanted was to leap through the grass and race the wind. But years of training and being under the lead of humans became a shadow in his mind. Slowly, he transformed, right under the saddle. He hopped a bit, switching between the taught gait and a more natural canter. He battled for control. He strained against the bit, trying to become what he truly is; and I became the barrier he fought. I didn’t want that, and I let go a bit. He needed no more incentive. He gaited faster and faster, becoming stronger and stronger. We shared control now. No longer was he the focused, gentle show horse everyone knew. Instead, he became a creature of wind and ocean waves. He could barely be contained, even by his own body. The sweet breeze and warm sun opened a heavily locked door inside him and awoke something ancient. He awoke something that humans attempted to breed out of his race. He became his name, he became a storm. I became a simple passenger, no longer in control. Then, he cantered, not for long just a few seconds. For those few seconds, we lifted into the sky with eagle wings. We raced the wind and mocked the birds. He remembered the days when horses ran free with only the falcon to match their speed. He remembered everything he forgot while under the saddle. He embodied the spirit of the horse, beauty, speed, and power. For a few seconds, humans did not dominate his life. And I rode the storm and enjoyed every second of it.

KMSHA International Grand Championships

The KMSHA International Grand Championships began on Thursday, October 8th. Robert, Charlie, Mike, Cesario, and Roberto were joined by Nancy and Marcia to get the ball rolling. Tim and Don joined us later in the weekend. There were several special awards planned this year as well as a trainer's challenge. Unfortunately, if you were showing horses, participation in the trainer's challenge wasn't possible becuase of the class schedule. The Futurity was held Thursday morning. Our classes, however, began with the conformation classes Thursday afternoon. Our horses showed well and most placed in their conformation classes. Our under saddle classes began Thursday evening. Congratulations to Mojo (Blue's Magical Charm) with Mike in the irons for his first place win! With the show condensed to three days this year, it was a challenge to get all the classes in. Tabulations were on the slow side so most classes took about 20 to 25 minutes. It made for a very late night. Classes were over about 1 AM. The rain really hampered exhibitors getting horses to the ring. There was also a lot of construction due to the upcoming World Equestrian Games that made staying clean quite a challenge. Thank goodness for the indoor arena! Several horses showed Friday. FR Derby Blue made his show ring debut and did an excellent job. He wasn't at all anxious even with the construction equipment and all the new and scary sights and sounds of the show ring. We were really proud of him. The weather started turning colder. It was actually down in the 40's toward evening. Versatility and youth classes were held on Saturday. Congratulations to SRF's Silver Sundown on his first place win in Trail Obstacle. He won at the UMH World Show, the RMH International, and at the KMSHA International Woo Hoo! He was awesome. Tim Spencer also made a great show in Trail Obstacle with Barb's Stormy Knight placing 3rd and Nugget placed 4th. Way to go SRF team! Nugget, just like Silver, won all the driving classes at the UMH World, RMH and KMSHA International shows. They are such awesome horses. We really enjoyed watching JoEllen Yarber show Half-Cocked in the park classes this weekend. She won both qualifying classes and won the Park Championship as well. It was great! Our congratulations to Clinton Jones 1st place and to Tim Scarberry 2nd place for their accomplishments in the trainer's challenge. They had to brave the elements to work with their geldings out in the weather since the arena was being used for the show. Non the less, their horses worked really well. We had such a good time with everyone over the course of the long weekend. It is hard to believe that show season, for us, has come to a close. We'll have to think up some opportunities to get together over the course of the fall season. We have too much fun to have to wait until spring. Let us know if there are clinics or other activities that you'd like for us to host. With the arena, we won't have to worry so much about the rain or the cold (until it gets to be January).

Don't forget the the UMH banquet has been scheduled for December 12th. You don't have to be winning a high point award to come. We'll have a blast regardless. Thanks everyone for all the great times . . . .

Mountain Pleasure World Championships

Photo by Vera Patterson

Congratulations to Merry Go Blue on his Mountain Pleasure World Championship win in the 9 and older Stallions and Geldings class and his Grand Championship conformation win at last night's show. He was absolutely beautiful. Not only was he georgeous, but he was a perfect genleman which is so typical of his nature. Congratulations also to RPM's Squirrel's Blackfoot for his reserve placement in conformation and under saddle.

The Mountain Pleasure Association registry is the smallest of all the Mountain Horse groups. They have opened their books to select horses that are also registered RMH. They must also be approved by the board. There are two divisions at their shows: Country Trail and Show Trail. As these divisions indicate, they do not wish to reward what is often considered a 'performance' horse (i.e. a higher stepping horse that has overstride and brio.)

We had a great time at the show. It was a pleasant evening. The award winning Licking River Riders Drill Team performed. We got to visit with some new folks. Marcia and Tim joined us and the horses we took looked fabulous!

UMH World Show & RMH International

Wow! What shows we've had over the last two weeks! Never in the history of the Mountain Horse industry, have two of the most prestegious shows of the year been held back to back. It has been an awesome experience. We are so fortunate to have friends and clients who have been so helpful and so much fun. They've done everything from bringing meals to cleaning boots! They've brought golf carts and loaned us trailers. They have given their time and talents to create enchanted castles and to keep us laughing (cackling) all the way.

UMH Highlights
Congratulations to the SRF crew and 'decorating committee' for their hard work creating our enchanted castle. Marcia Spencer, Regina Jones, and Billie Hickey worked tirelessly painting, cutting, and laminating our castle. It was awesome! We received reserve recognition from the Clark County Chamber of Commerce for their efforts.

The first week of September was a fantastic week to show horses. The weather was perfect most of the time with just a few sprinkles off and on. Lisa joined us again to help tack along with Cesario and Roberto. The horses worked well. SRF had many wins including 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th placements in Sr. Horse Trail Obstacle by Silver, Jazzy, Little Ann, and Nugget respectively. Squirrel also placed 1st in the Junior Horse Trail Obstacle and Lauren placed 1st with Stormy in the Youth division of Trail Obstacle. Little Ann (with Mike up)won Open Four Gait and Squirrel was second. Way to go SRF! A complete list is at the bottom of the blog. We really enjoyed the many special events scheduled by the show management. Many folks enjoyed watching the dog show. The exhibitor's party was a lot of fun as well. We had breakfast and played corn hole. The church service was very moving. Both H.T. Derickson and Howard Kleier spoke of their personal religious experience and how thankful they were for God's blessings. Cyndee's brother brought a great message and we all enjoyed the singing in the open air. It was fantastic.

As far as the show goes, our congratulations go out to Randy Jones for placing third in the Amateur Versatility and to Jazzy and Silver for their ribbons toward the Barb's Stormy Knight Award. We appreciate Don and Nancy's sponsorship of this award and their sponsorship of the Open Four Gait class throughout the year. Lauren also placed 3rd in the Juvenile Versatility. Another highlight of the show was watching SRF's Silver Sundown win the World Grand Championship Open Western class with Charlie. They looked awesome! It was a great week of showing and working. On Monday before the championships, we started packing up and moved what we could to the Kentucky Horse Park for the RMH International. Some horses came home, some went the the Horse Park and a few remained at the Equestrian Center in Winchester. It was a little like that old riddle about the farmer who needed to take his duck, fox, and corn across the river. He could only take one at a time in the boat. That created problems for him because if he left the duck and the fox together, the duck would be eaten. If he left the duck and the corn together, the duck would eat the corn. Don't worry if you can't figure it out . . . it was a little like that for us trying to get set up for the second show. Check out the October newsletter for the answer to the riddle . Everyone jumped right in even though they were tired. We got got it all done and were back to the KEC in time to enjoy watching Baby Ruby in the lead line class. Again, we really appreciate everyone's contribution to the Double Diamond sponsorship and all you've done to help make the show a great success.

RMH International Highlights
Tuesday morning the SRF crew was back in the saddle again and ready for their first classes at the Rocky Mountain International. Everyone was a little bleary eyed but the horses were working well. As the show progressed, the horses continued to show strongly. Again, SRF placed first, second, and third in trail obstacle with Silver, Nugget, and Jazzy. Hidden Agenda, Nancy and Don's weanling placed 3rd in the Weanling Championship. Branson Blue won his Yearling Championship. Pepper's Capital Venture won both show and trail pleasure classes with Mike and Charlie up. Jazzy did a great job as did Silver but it was Nugget who was the star of the show. We started getting excited as the wins accumulated for him. He was tieing first or second in almost every qualifying class toward the Sam Tuttle Award. People came up to us making predictions that he would win. By Saturday afternoon, we knew . . . RRF Gold Nugget would be awarded the Sam Tuttle! Woo Hoo! Our congratulations go to Nugget and Steve. Charlie did a great job. We were really excited for Charlie. The Sam Tuttle is quite a challenge to win. Erin won it wit Legendary Lady in 2006. I wonder if there has been another married couple who has been able to do that. I don't think so. Anyway, it was a great week. Thanks to everyone for being part of the team. We couldn't do it with out you!

Stoner Ridge Farm UMH World Show and RMH International Show Placings

Pepper’s Capital Venture
UMH World Show - 3 yo Classic Stallions/Geldings - 4th
RMH International - 3 YO Amateur Trail Pleasure - 3rd - Steve Heuslein
RMH International - 3 YO Amateur Show Pleasure - 3rd - Steve Heuslein
RMH International - 3 YO Gelding Trail Pleasure - 1st - Michael Butler
RMH International - 3 YO Gelding Show Pleasure - 1st
RMH International - Geldings Championship Trail - 7th - Michael Butler

SRF’s Silver Sundown
UMH World Show - Water Glass - 5th
UMH World Show - Western Pleasure Sr. Horse - 2nd
UMH World Show - 4 + Trail Pleasure Stallions - 3rd
UMH World Show - Trail Obstacle - 1st
UMH World Show - Trail Pleasure World Grand Championship - 5th
UMH World Show - Western Pleasure World Grand Championship - 1st
RMH International - Amateur Trail Pleasure - 10th - Steve Heuslein
RMH International - 6-9 YO Stallions Conformation - 4th
RMH International - 6-9 YO Stallions Trail Pleasure - 1st
RMH International - 6-9 YO Western Pleasure - 1st
RMH International - Stallion Championship Trail - 6th
RMH International - Western Pleasure Grand Championship - 3rd
RMH International - Adult Trail Obstacle - 1st
RMH International - Pole Bending - 1st
RMH International - Water Glass - 4th

RRF Gold Nugget
UMH World Show - 4 + Classic Pleasure Geldings - 1st
UMH World Show - Amateur Men’s Classic - 2nd - Steve Heuslein
UMH World Show - Non-Pro Classic - 2nd - Lyngle Lawson
UMH World Show - 4+ Geldings In Hand - 5th
UMH World Show - Men’s Classic Pleasure - 4th
UMH World Show - Trail Obstacle Sr. Horse - 4th
UMH World Show - Pro Am Classic - 5th - Charlie & Steve
UMH World Show - Open Driving - 1st
UMH World Show - Non-Pro Classic World Grand Championship - 4th - Lyngle Lawson
UMH World Show - Groom’s Class - 5th - Lisa Sidwell
RMH International - Men’s Amateur Show Pleasure - 2nd - Steve Heuslein
RMH International - 4-5 YO Amateur Show Pleasure - 7th - Steve Heuslein
RMH International - 3-5 YO Geldings Conformation - 1st
RMH International - 5 YO Geldings Show Pleasure - 1st
RMH International - Pleasure Driving - 1st
RMH International - Show Pleasure Grand Championship - 7th
RMH International - Adult Trail Obstacle - 2nd
RMH International - 3-5 YO Open Conformation Championship - 1st
RMH International - Conformation Grand Championship - 2nd
RMH International - Sam Tuttle Memorial Award

RPM’s Squirrel’s Blackfoot
UMH World Show - Water Glass Class - 2nd - Randy Jones
UMH World Show - Am/Non Pro 2+ In-Hand - 3rd - Randy Jones
UMH World Show - Western Pleasure Jr. Horse - 5th
UMH World Show - Novice Gentleman Rider - 3rd - Randy Jones
UMH World Show - Trail Obstacle Jr. Horse - 1st
UMH World Show - Trail Obstacle Open Am/Non Pro - 5th - Randy Jones
UMH World Show - Open 4 Gait - 2nd
UMH World Show - Regional Amateur Trail - 2nd - Randy Jones

Gaitway’s Jasmine Joy
UMH World Show - 4 + Country Trail Pleasure Mares - 6th
UMH World Show - Western Pleasure Sr. Horse - 5th
UMH World Show - Trail Obstacle Sr. Horse - 2nd
UMH World Show - Amateur Country Trail Pleasure - 5th
UMH World Show - Youth 11 & Under - 3rd - J.T. Hickey
UMH World Show - Youth Western Pleasure - 3rd - Lauren Hickey
UMH World Show - Youth Trail Obstacle - J.T. Hickey - 4th
UMH World Show - Am. Country Trail World Grand Championship - 3rd - Steve Heuslein
UMH World Show - Youth Showmanship - 3rd - Lauren Hickey
RMH International - 6-9 YO Mares Conformation - 2nd
RMH International - 6-9 YO Mares Trail Pleasure - 4th
RMH International - 14.2 – 14.3 Trail Pleasure - 7th
RMH International - Western Pleasure - 5th
RMH International - 6-9 YO Western Pleasure - 4th
RMH International - Adult Trail Obstacle - 3rd
RMH International - 6 and Over Championship Conformation - 5th

C.D.’s Girl’s Got Rhythm
UMH World Show - Open Four Gait - 4th

Merry Go Blue
UMH World Show - UMH/AGMH Classic Pleasure - 2nd

Little Ann
UMH World Show - Water Glass Class - 4th
UMH World Show - Trail Obstacle Sr. Horse - 3rd
UMH World Show - Open Four Gait - 1st

HBF Hidden Agenda
What a knock-out! This little chocolate filly will steal your heart with her sweet, curious nature. Out of Nicholei’s Sophie by WGC Merry Go Blue, she is already making waves in the show ring. She is owned by Don and Nancy Copland of Brookville, IN and trained by Robert Lawson.

UMH World Show - Weanling Fillies - 3rd
UMH World Show - Breeder’s Cup - 10th
RMH International - Weanling Fillies “A” - 2nd
RMH International - Weanling Championship - 3rd

Barb’s Stormy Knight
UMH World Show - Non-Pro Trail Pleasure - 4th - Nancy Copland
UMH World Show - Novice Gentleman Rider - 1st - Tim Spencer
UMH World Show - Trail Obstacle Open Amateur - 4th - Tim Spencer
UMH World Show - Youth Trail Obstacle - 1st - Lauren Hickey
UMH World Show - Youth Equitation - 4th - Lauren Hickey
UMH World Show - Amateur World Grand Championship - Tim Spencer
UMH World Show - Lead Line - 1st - Ella Tillery & Ruby DeAtley

Branson Blue
Many folks who have been showing for awhile will remember Lyngle’s show mare, One Chance Fancy. She was Amateur Classic High Point two years in a row. Fancy’s foals have begun making their way to the show ring. You are sure to be impressed with this yearling colt out of Fancy by WGC Merry Go Blue. He’s awesome! Steve Heuslein recently purchased this fine colt. He’s being trained by Robert.

UMH World Show - Yearling Colts In-Hand - 2nd
UMH World Show - Yearling Amateur/Non Pro - 2nd - Robin Tucker
UMH World Show - Yearling Conformation World Grand Championship - 3rd
UMH World Show - Breeder’s Cup - 2nd
RMH International - Yearling Colts “A” - 2nd
RMH International - Yearling Championship - 1st

Blue’s Magical Charm
UMH World Show - Open Spotted Mountain Horse - 3rd

Mountain Vista Thunder
RMH International - 5 YO Stallions Trail - 7th

UMH Summer Celebration

The UMH Summer Celebration was a great show! The numbers were up and the competition was tough! There were no soft spots in any of the classes. We had a great time with everyone who was able to join us. Bob and Marty Morris came from PA to see Thunder and brought us three of their two year olds to start - D.J., Addy, and Heidi. Steve Heuslein was able to join us again from MN along with Nancy Copland, Tim & Marcia Spencer, Barry Hickey along with Lauren and J.T. It was great to see Brenda Watson from up in Paintsville. We also had lots of other visitors who stopped by to visit for awhile. Our congratulations goes out to Gaitway's Jasmine Joy, winner of the Adult Versatility Award (she also won Trail Obstacle and 4+ Conformation). Stoner Ridge Farm has won all the UMH Versatility competitions this year woo hoo! I'll have to check the numbers to see whether it is Robert with Jazzy or Charlie with Silver who will win the High Point award. Way to go guys! We also congratulate Lauren Hickey on her fantastic win with Barb's Stormy Knight in the Juvenile Equitation Class . . . she did a great job riding her pattern and giving direction to her horse while maintaining the elegance for which Equitation is known. Marcia and Tim both did an excellent job with Stormy in their Novice and Amature classes winning a blue as well. Silver was awesome in the stallions trail and the Men's trail placing reserve and 1st respectively. Squirrel made a great show in Conformation and the Open Four Gait placing 1st in both and 3rd in his under saddle class. See other placings below. Mike, Charlie, Robert and all the amateur and novice riders did a great job. Thanks to everyone who brought treats, drinks, ice, etc. Thanks to Nancy Copland for our rolling saddle rack. Now we can roll our saddles dowm to the warm up ring for inspection. Nancy also humg up a little sign for us that said "When you're here, you're on happy time." We do love it. You all are just too much. Here is the list of SRF wins:

SRF’s Silver Sundown
UMH Summer Celebration - Open Western - 2nd
UMH Summer Celebration - Stallions Trail - 2nd
UMH Summer Celebration - Men's Open Trail - 1st
UMH Summer Celebration - Adult Versatility - 5th

Pepper’s Capital Venture
UMH Summer Celebration - 3 YO Stallions & Geldings - 3rd

Gaitway’s Jasmine Joy
UMH Summer Celebration - Lead Line - 1st - Ruby DeAtley
UMH Summer Celebration - Country Trail Mares - 4th
UMH Summer Celebration - Adult Trail Obstacle - 1st
UMH Summer Celebration - Non-Pro Country Trail - 5th - Steve
UMH Summer Celebration - Juvenile Trail Obstacle - 3rd
UMH Summer Celebration - Amateur Country Trail - 5th
UMH Summer Celebration - Pro – Am Country Trail - 4th - Steve/Robert
UMH Summer Celebration - Open Western - 4th
UMH Summer Celebration - Juvenile Western - 4th - Lauren
UMH Summer Celebration - 11 and Under Country Trail - 3rd - J.T.
UMH Summer Celebration - Adult Versatility Award - 1st
UMH Summer Celebration – Juvenile Versatility Award - 3rd - J.T.

RPM’s Squirrel’s Blackfoot
UMH Summer Celebration - 2 & 3 YO Conformation - 1st
UMH Summer Celebration - - Open 4 Gait - 1st
UMH Summer Celebration - 2 & 3 YO Trail - 3rd
UMH Summer Celebration - Adult Versatility - 3rd

RRF Gold Nugget
UMH Summer Celebration - Non Pro Classic - 4th - Lyngle
UMH Summer Celebration - Classic Pleasure Championship - 4th
UMH Summer Celebration - Pro Am Classic - 5th - Charlie/Steve
UMH Summer Celebration - Geldings Classic - 2nd

Barb’s Stormy Knight
UMH Summer Celebration - Open Novice Rider - 1st - Marcia
UMH Summer Celebration - Amateur Trail - 1st - Tim
UMH Summer Celebration - Geldings Trail - 3rd - Nancy
UMH Summer Celebration - 17 & Under Equitation - 1st - Lauren
UMH Summer Celebration - Juvenile Trail Obstacle - 4th - Lauren
UMH Summer Celebration - 12 – 17 Juvenile Trail - 5th - Lauren
UMH Summer Celebration - 17 & Under Showmanship - 3rd - Lauren
UMH Summer Celebration - Juvenile Versatility Award - 2nd - Lauren
UMH Summer Celebration - Lead Line - 1st - Ruby DeAtley

C.D.’s Girl’s Got Rhythm
UMH Summer Celebration - 3 YO Fillies Classic - 5th

Little Anne
UMH Summer Celebration - Open 4 Gait - 3rd
UMH Summer Celebration - Trail Obstacle - 4th

Wishes Come True for Emma

Photo from the RMH Franklin Show


It was an amazing phone call . . . we were in the middle of the UMH Summer Celebration when Robert's phone rang. When he answered, it was Emma DeWeese. She and her family were at the RMH show in Springfield, OH. We had wanted to attend this particular show but since it was the same weekend as the Summer Celebration we just couldn't make it to both. Robert had given Emma lots of instruction on how to work with her horse when getting her ready to show (especially since we knew we couldn't be there ourselves). We just hated that it just wasn't possible for us to be with her the first time she was going to show Shannon. Well, Emma was ecstatic. She and Shannon had had a great show! Chris had already called to let us know that Emma placed 3rd in her Trail Pleasure class with Shannon. Everything had gone really well. They decided to put her back in the Juvenile Trail Championship. After tough competetion, they placed reserve! Emma was sooooo excited. She placed ahead of several more experienced riders so that really helped her confidence. Our congratulations go out to Emma for her hard work and her strength of spirit. What an overcomer! It takes courage to embrace a dream and make it come true and that's exactly what Emma had had the determination to do. Way to go Emma!

Emma

Last week Stoner Ridge Farm had the privilege of hosting Emma DeWeese in order to help her live her dream with the help of the Make a Wish Foundation. When interviewed, Emma decided she wanted a Rocky Mountain horse of her own and to be able to come and train with Robert. She wanted to learn more about the how to show and compete in the rated trail rides that are sponsored by the RMH. Last week, Emma and Robert worked together to help Emma and her new mare, Shannon, be able to work as a team. Ten year old Shannon needed a refresher course on how to be responsive to leg pressure and how to give to the bit. When Emma tried to get her to back up, she would brace against the bit and throw her head in the air. Well, Robert and Emma started in the round pen. Emma was an active participant with all phases of training. They all made a great team. Robert helped Emma learn how to establish respect and how to help her mare learn to bend and flex on the ground and while Emma was on her back. Emma's mom, Chris, also stayed a few days to make sure Emma would be comfortable here at the farm. It was exciting to see improvements each day as Emma and Robert worked together. Before we knew it, it was Friday and almost time for Emma to return home. We decided that we needed to celebrate all that Emma and Shannon had accomplished so we had a cook out and let Emma share what she had learned. I guess there were about 25 people here. Robert asked Emma if she would like to tell everyone what her goals for the week had been and what had been accomplished. Then he let Emma demonstate her new skills by putting her and Shannon in the round pen. He asked Emma to flex her horse and yield her hind quarters. She also showed everyone how she had helped Shannon learn to respect her space and to come into her only when she asked. Then she got on Shannon and demonstrated how easily she backed. The moved from the round pen to the rail where Emma rode at a calm, quiet walk and a more antimated show gait. It was beautiful to see the degree of harmony they had achieved in less than a week's time. After Emma finished showin what she had learned, we all played corn hole and sat around visiting. It was great to have Emma's mom and dad, Frank, and her brother, Tyler, as well and Barbara and Jerry Stains all the way from Louisville. I'm sure Emma will continue to work with her mare and help her continue to learn and grow. She showed a great deal of maturity and equestrian knowledge while she was here. I'm really looking forward to watching them at the International in September. What a fantastic experience it has been for all of us!

Exciting News . . .

Friday night we had a visit from our older daughter, Eyvonne and her family - Bobby, James, and Rachel. They has some exciting news for us . . . they are going to have another baby! Yes, Robert and I are going to be grandparents again. That will bring us up to four. What fun! Erin had suggested that they video tape telling the kids that they were going to have a little brother or sister. Rachel has been wanting to become a big sister for some time so we knew she'd be excited. I wish you could see the video. I have never seen a little girl so excited. It was just precious. Eyvonne tells us she is expecting the baby to be born on March 20th. Baby Ruby will have a little cousin close to her age. We'll all have a hard time waiting . . . especially Rachel. I'm sure it will be worse that that dreaded question, "Are we there yet?"

PA Visit

Robert and I just returned from a great visit with Bob and Marty Morris in New Bloomfield, PA. They are the owners of Mountain Vista Thunder. We had an absolutely wonderful time! Bob and Marty showed us around their 116 acre farm and we got to see some beautiful horses. Thunder had a full sister and a full brother there. There are also some great trail horses, two year olds, mares, and a super nice stallion named Judge. Robert worked with Bob in the round pen on Tuesday. They worked with a cute two year old colt named D.J. He's black with four white feet (looks like Merry Go Blue but he's by Judge). He's a really nice energetic young horse. They also worked with a couple of two year old fillies - Addy and Heidi. Robert rode one of the in a little less than two hours. Bob had done a great job with them though. They were no trouble to bridle and they weren't at all head shy because they'd been worked with already. After the round pen sessons, Bob and Robert saddled the horses and took a short ride. It was a beautiful day to work with horses. Marty did a great job keeping us all fed and comfortable. We really appreciate their hospitality and the opportunity to get to know them and their horses better!

We Got People

We have much to be thankful for here at Stoner Ridge Farm. We did have a great show at White Pine this weekend but we are also very thankful for the friends with whom we show horses. On Thursday, when we arrived in White Pine, Charlie noticed a lot of water under the F 450 Ford truck that we used to haul the nine horses to the show. They looked under the hood and found a hose that would need to be replaced. Fortunately, they were able to get the truck to the garage on Saturday. The garage even was even open until 8 PM which allowed us to show horses without much interruption to our schedule. Tim and Marcia Spencer were a great help all weekend. Tim and Mike went to pick the truck up when it was finished. Well, that isn't the end of the story. When we were pulling out of the Great Smoky Mountain Expo Center (we were still in sight of the facility) there was a pop and a puff of white smoke. The Turbo blew . . . we've had trouble with a specific hose so we carry one with us. Unfortunately, that wasn't all that was wrong. Marcia and Tim were following us to begin with so they were there. Larry and Vera Patterson stopped to help. Cassie and Robin Tucker stopped as well. So did some folks who had come from NC to show. We thought the truck would be ok (but slow) so we pulled out on to I-81 and discovered there wasn't going to be enough power to get over the mountains pulling over 20,000 pounds of trailer and horses. We turned around. The VanBert crew along with the Lazy K crew, Summer Shade, and EmDee Mountain Horses all waited patiently while we came up with a plan. At first we thought we could hook Lazy K's truck to our trailer and have Van Bert take their 3 horses. Unfortunately, that truck would hook up to our trailer - the fifth wheel wasn't set up for our type of trailer. Finally, we unloaded our trailer, Larry unloaded and reloaded his trailer with our horses. We put the yearlings in Judy Brummer's trailer and Little Anne in the Kleier's trailer. We still had to have one yearling in our trailer. Tim and Marcia hauled Larry's golf cart in the back of their pick up to make more room in Larry's trailer. We pulled out with a huge caravan all traveling slowly (30 - 40 mph) up hills and coasting over the other side. Finally, we thought to have some friends of Charlie's come to our house in Paris and get our Dodge. The met us about half way between and we hooked the Dodge to the trailer to help get over the mountains. That way, we were able to let everyone else move on out in order to get home. It was a little like that riddle about the man who had some corn, a goose, and a fox that he needed to get across the river. The only catch was that he could only take one at a time. If you leave the goose and corn together, the goose will eat it. If you leave the fox and the goose together, the fox will eat it. All I can say is how thankful we are that we weren't on Clinch Mountain when the turbo went out. I can't imagine being on the interstate with horses getting hot and no one to help. We send out a special thank you to all these great folks who helped us out today. We owe you one (several actually). It's pretty special that we can compete at the shows but still be friends at the end of the day. Thanks again everyone!

White Pine Show

We had a great show in White Pine, TN this weekend! It was actually two shows put on by the Southeast Mountain Horse Club. Friday's show was called the Great Smoky Mountain Championship and Saturday's Show was the Tennessee State Championship. By having two shows, it allowed exhibitors to earn two sets of points toward high point awards if your class was included on both days. Our congratulations goes out to RRF Gold Nugget (owned by Steve Heuslein)for his great shows over the entire weekend. He not only won the Adult Versatility Award but he also won the the Classic Championship on Saturday! Woo Hoo! Squirrel's Blackfoot also had a great show winning both the Open Four Gait and the 2 & 3 YO trail pleasure class. SRF's Silver Sundown won the Open Western and Stallions trail on Friday. We were glad to have Little Anne (owned by Don and Nancy Copland)with us for the first time this season. Mike did a nice job with her on her debut. She placed 3rd in the Mares Trail Pleasure Class. Here is a list of the horses who went to TN and where they placed. Congratulatoins to everyone!

SRF’s Silver Sundown
Great Smoky Mtn. Championship - Open Western - 1st
Great Smoky Mtn. Championship - Stallions Trail - 1st
Great Smoky Mtn. Championship - Trail Pleasure Championship - 4th
TN State Championship - Adult Trail Obstacle - 3rd
TN State Championship - Stallions Trail - 2nd
TN State Championship - Trail Pleasure Championship - 2nd
TN State Championship - Adult Versatility - 5th

Pepper’s Capital Venture
Great Smoky Mtn. Championship - 3 YO Stallions & Geldings - 2nd
TN State Championship - 3 YO Stallions & Geldings - 5th

Gaitway’s Jasmine Joy
Great Smoky Mtn. Championship - Country Trail Mares - 4th
TN State Championship - Country Trail Mares - 2nd
TN State Championship - Trail Obstacle - 5th
TN State Championship - Country Trail Championship - 5th

RPM’s Squirrel’s Blackfoot
TN State Championship - 2 & 3 YO Conformation - 2nd
TN State Championship - Open 4 Gait - 1st
TN State Championship - 2 & 3 YO Trail - 1st
TN State Championship - Pro Am Trail - 3rd - Robert/Tim Spencer
TN State Championship - Adult Versatility - 4th
Great Smoky Mtn. Championship - 2 & 3 YO Conformation - 3rd

RRF Gold Nugget
TN State Championship - 4 + Conformation - 2nd - Robert
TN State Championship - Non Pro Classic - 1st - Lyngle
TN State Championship - Adult Trail Obstacle - 4th
TN State Championship - Classic Pleasure Championship - 1st
TN State Championship - Pro Am Classic - 1st - Charlie/Lyngle
TN State Championship - Geldings Classic - 1st
TN State Championship - Adult Versatility - 1st
Great Smoky Mtn. Championship - Non Pro Classic - 2nd - Lyngle

Barb’s Stormy Knight
Great Smoky Mtn. Championship - Open Novice Rider - 2nd - Marcia Spencer
TN State Championship - Amateur Trail - 2nd - Tim Spencer
TN State Championship - Open Novice - 1st - Marcia Spencer

C.D.’s Girl’s Got Rhythm
TN State Championship - 3 YO Fillies Classic - 3rd
Great Smoky Mtn. Championship - 3 YO Fillies Classic - 4th

Sandman’s Taking Chances
TN State Championship - Open 4 Gait - 2nd
TN State Championship - 2 & 3 YO Trail - 5th

Little Anne

TN State Championship - Mares Trail - 3rd
TN State Championship - Open $ Gait - 3rd
TN State Championship - Trail Obstacle - 6th

Health Updates

Good News! Both Wilda Derickson and John Haddix are out of the hospital. Praise the Lord. John is doing well. He had surgery on Monday to put in a plate to strengthen his broken pelvis. He has a couple of high school boys who are helping him at the farm. We'll continue to keep him in our thoughts and prayers that healing will come swiftly and he'll be back in the saddle soon. We saw several of Wilda's family memebers at the show this weekend. She has good days and some days that are not so good. She continues to experience quite a bit of pain. The medication upsets her stomach. So it becomes a vicious cycle just trying to get well. H.T. is staying with her to help out when he can. We'll also be praying for Wilds that the healing will be swift and she'll be as good as new soon.

Another Accident

There has been another unfortunate riding accident in the Mountain Horse community. John Haddix was hurt last Wednesday evening while working a 3 year old in the round pen. She bucked and he came down on the saddle breaking his pelvis. He is currently at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, KY. He was scheduled for surgery last week but was bumped. He is expecting to have surgery in the morning where his doctor will insert a plate to help stabilize his pelvis. He will probably stay in the hospital a week or so and then move on to a rehab center for awhile. Please be in prayer for a successful surgery. John has a full time job in addition to training a few horses in the evening. While he has health insurance there is on policy for accidents. His family and friends are rallying around to help. He also has a couple of high school boys who work for him. Robert and I went to see him today. He has a positive attitude and is not currently in pain (meds help ). We are hoping for a full recovery within a few months.

KMSHA Kentucky State Championship

First of all, we want to congratulate Marcia Spencer on her very first blue ribbon! She rode Barb's Stormy Knight in the Novice Trail class at the KMSHA Kentucky State Championship held in Lawrenceburg this weekend. She made an awesome ride with her confidence shining through. Way to go Marcia! We really enjoyed having Marcia and her husband, Tim, with us during the show. Tim even brought their grill! We had corn-on-the-cob roasted on the grill along with tin foil dinners. It was great. We also congratulate their champagne spotted colt on his win in the Open Four Gait class. We also enjoyed the company of Marty Morris and two of her sisters all the way from PA. We missed her husband, Bob, but understand that he had to stay home to take care of their horses (their son had an injury which prevented him from being able to care for their horses as he usually does). They own Mountain Vista Thunder - a handsome chocolate stallion who has been with us since November. Dale and Edwina Honn also came over from Lexington to watch their filly, The Cross Filly, show in her classes. She placed fourth in tough competition in the 2 & 3 yo Trail Pleasure class and in the Mares & Geldings Trail class as well.

While our horses made some great performances, judging is pretty subjective. In large classes we often see horses that miss being seen by the judges because they turn around in the middle of the class and they miss seeing someone. Continual training is an important element to help judges know and see the postitive aspects of horses performing in the ring. One of the most fair systems we have seen is the Majority Opinion System where three judges judge at the same time. It is an expensive system because it requires three judges in the ring at the same time. There is a computer program (or a tabulation system) that allows the horse with the best 2 out of 3 highest ties to rise to the top of the class. At the show this weekend, there were two judges. They drew before each class to see which one would be judging. This system results in less consistent results because each judge judges independently. There were times that we agreed but many times that we didn't. Judging committees are constantly working to increase the opportunities for educational experiences. I know I'm glad that the responsibility for judging is not mine. Anyway, the horses looked great and we really enjoyed everyone's fellowship.

Wilda's Home

We learned that Wilda got to go home on Friday evening. Robert and I talked with Jamie and he said she was doing well. We got the email below from Diana Wright yesterday. Please keep Wilda and her family in your prayers during this time of recovery. If you need an address to send a card, just email me and I'll get it right out to you.

From Diana:
Just a note to let you know your prayers are working. Wilda got to go home from the hospital yesterday evening about 5 pm. I talked with her just a few minutes ago and she is hurting, bruised all over and recovering...but she said, "Praise The Lord!" She will follow up with doctors and therapy. Keep praying! She said HT was busily working and taking good care of her and things around her. They again expressed their appreciation of all the prayers and concerns.

Update on Wilda

Robert and I went to the UK Hospital last night to check on Wilda. We talked with H.T. but didn't go back to see her. There was some good news. Doctors were able to remove the chest tube which is a good sign. However, Wilda continues to be sick at her stomach. They did another CT scan last night about 8:00 PM to make make sure there isn't more bleeding. We didn't get the results though. The upset stomach could be coming from meds she's taking as well. You know how it is when you're trying to take medicine without having eaten anything. She was still in the ER. The 8th floor head trauma unit didn't have a bed available. H.T. said they thought she would actually be monitored more closely leaving her in the ER rather than her being in a regular room. While we were there, they did move her to room 209 which seemed to actually be a 'room' within the ER - not just a curtained area. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Wilda and the family.

Wilda

Vera emailed several us early this (Wed.) afternoon. I'll just pass that on to everyone. Robert and I are planning to go to the hospital this evening. I'll post anything new we learn. Keep praying for Wilda and the family. It's tough when you have an injured loved one in the hospital as you all know.

From Vera:
Just a quick note to let everyone know that Mom is still in the emergency room being closely monitored, but she seems to be doing pretty good at this point. She has several broken ribs with a collapsed lung. They have inserted a tube and she will have that for a least a couple of days. They are running more tests, on her spine, they think her head is alright. She has a lot of pain at the base of her neck on her spine so that is why they are checking that out with a neurosurgeon. Lyngle got the info pretty straight about the accident. She and Dad were with about 18 others, but they have a tendency to ride very ruff trails. I have been on this hill and it is a very steep hill, the horse was wanting to go down it too fast and mom was trying to hold her back and then the battle was on. The horse took a leap on the hill and mom went forward. Some said they thought the horse stepped on her, and some say no, I don't think it did, since we don't see any hoof prints. It looks like she just hit the ground very hard on her head, since it did knock her out and she does have some knots on her head.

We appreciate your prayers and concerns, and I will try to keep everyone posted.
Vera

Serious Riding Accident

Wilda Derickson was seriously injured in a riding accident late yesterday afternoon. Bob learned about the accident around 6:00 last night. His brother-in-law from Campton called and said he heard that Wilda had been air lifted from Campton but didn’t have any details. The accident happened about 4:30. We finally got in touch with Vera (Wilda's daughter) and she told us that Wilda, H.T. and some others had been trail riding up at Big Andy in Campton. They were going down a hill and Wilda’s horse started going sideways. You know how that pitches you forward anyway. She was straightening him/her (can’t remember) up and somehow went over his head. There may be more to it than this but it is what I understood Vera to say. It knocked Wilda out but she was eventually able to get back on her horse to try to ride out. After about a half mile, she started having trouble breathing and was in pain so she just couldn’t continue. Someone rode out to where they could get cell service. A helicopter came and they carried her out to meet it. She is at the University of Kentucky Medical Center. Vanessa was waiting when the helicopter arrived. Vera waited for H.T. to get back home and they left from Stanton to go to the hospital in Lexington. I talked to Vera again last night about 7:30 or 8:00. At that time they were still assessing her condition but she had several broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and some bleeding on her brain. Vera also said they could not yet ‘rule out any spinal injuries.’ I know everyone will be praying for her. I always wish there was something I could do to help in tough times like this. If I know of anything we can do, I’ll get the word out. Please let us know if any of you hear any news.

Lexington Jr. League Horse Show

Stoner Ridge Farm had the privilege of presenting the colors tonight at the Lexington Jr. League Horse Show at the Red Mile. It is the second time we've been invited to be part of this prestigious show. The show has a 73 year history in Lexington and is one of the largest Saddlebred shows in the world. Charlie rode RRF Gold Nugget and carried the American flag. Mike rode SRF's Silver Sundown and carried the Kentucky State flag. There was a great crowd and they were very appreciative of our breed of horse even though it is different from the breed that is showcased at the Jr. League show. We had several friends who came to watch. Steve (owner of the horses) was even able to watch all the way from MN on live streaming video. The boys got a lot of coverage . . . there was some sort of technical problem and the ring master kept motioning them on around again. They were even featured on our local news at 11:00. It was a great experience and we really appreciate the opportunity!

Kentucky State Championship

The UMH Kentucky State Championship was held at the Kentucky Equestrian Center this past weekend. Even though we had to dodge the raindrops on Saturday, we sure enjoyed everyone's company. We want to congratulate Gaitway's Jasmine Joy owned by Steve Heuslein of LaCrescent, MN for winning the Versatility Award. She did a great job! Not only was she a winner with Robert, Baby Ruby had the privilege of riding Jazzy for her first lead line experience. Talk about cute . . . of course that may be the grandma in me speaking . She was a real ham and had a great time. Don and Nancy's granddaughter, Ella, was also in the lead line riding World Grand Champion Barb's Stormy Knight. After their class, the girls got together and rode double. It was so much fun to watch them together! We also want to congratulate Randy and Regina's colt, RPM's Squirrel's Blackfoot, on another unanamous first place tie in the Open Four Gait class. He was awesome! Congratulations also to Sandman's Taking Chances, owned by Don and Nancy, on his reserve placement. Lauren and J.T. were able to come and show this weekend. They worked very hard over the last couple of months and placed well. Congratulaions to J.T. for doing so well in trail obstacle (his gate opening/closing was spot on!) Lauren placed reserve in Western and Equitation . . .Way to Go! Read more about the show in the Aug. newsletter.

UMH Kentucky State Championship

A Generous Spirit

A couple of weeks ago, Erin called me at home. Her voice was shaking and she sounded near tears. I couldn’t figure out what was going on. She said that they hadn’t checked the mail the day before so Charlie had stopped at the mail box on his way to our place to ride. I still had no clue . . . she said he’d pulled out a large envelope thinking someone had sent them some pictures. He was confused when he pulled out a set of horse registration papers. They were for Pepper’s Just Plain Pretty – RMH, KMSHA, and American Gaited. When he looked at the back of the papers and read the note, he just couldn’t believe it. Don and Nancy Copland had given Pepper to them! We were all in tears to say the least. Erin was Pepper’s primary trainer until baby Ruby came along then Charlie took over. Pepper has had many wonderful and exciting opportunities due to Don & Nancy. Not only did she do well in her on-the-rail classes, western, and trail obstacle classes, she was the UMH Versatility High Point Champion for 2007 and 2008. She was also the RMH International Western Grand Champion in 2007. Erin won with her in gaited dressage as well. We can’t thank Don and Nancy enough for their caring, generous spirit. There are no words. . . Charlie, Erin, and Ruby went to pick Pepper up last Friday. On Saturday, we all ended up at the Bourbon County Fair for the Saddlebred Show – Mike was even there (imagine that . . .all of us ending up at a show on Saturday night and we weren’t even competing). A gentleman I didn’t know was talking to Charlie about the baby and asking if he’d had her on a horse yet. Then he asked if she had a horse. Well, I over heard Charlie say, “Yea, we picked her up yesterday.” I tell ya folks, it just doesn’t get much better. Thank you, thank you, thank you Don and Nancy. Thank you for the gift of Pepper and for the great experiences that our children and grandchildren will have because of your generosity.

With Sympathy

Terry Kleier emailed yesterday with the sad news that Howard's dad passed away on the morning of June 19th. He had been ill for some time. Howard has been with his dad this last week where he lived in Florida. If you'd like to send a card, Howard's address is 1184 Siry Road, California, KY 41007. They have asked that memorials be sent to:

AVOW HOSPICE
1095 WHIPPERWILL LANE
NAPLES, FL 34105

Our hearts go out to them at this sad time.

Lyngle

RMH Kentucky Downs and Tavares Championship

We had a great time this past weekend in Franklin, KY at the RMH Kentucky Downs Classic and the Tavares Championship Classic. Penny Deweese and the show manager, Tabitha Locher, did a great job making sure everyone was taken care of. They had golf carts for rent which was a great help since barns were quite a distance fom the show ring. Folks come around and announced which horses needed to go to DQP since it was hard to hear that far from the warm-up arena. Penny even had supper for everyone on Friday night - steak, salads, and chess pie. We really enjoyed having Randy and Regina Jones all the way from Conway, AR to join us. Regina did a great job riding Squirrel's Blackfoot in the amateur classes. LouEllen Johnson and her friend Johanna came to see him show. He did a great job. We also enjoyed visiting with Kathy and Jim Wilkerson from MO. We met these fine folks when we did the clinic at the Bar 59 in Arkansas.

The show on Friday counted as one show and then Saturday counted as another one. There were two different judges - one for each day. Our horses did really well:

SRF’s Silver Sundown
RMH Kentucky Downs Classic - Open Western - 2nd
RMH Kentucky Downs Classic - Trail Pleasure Stallions - 1st
RMH Kentucky Downs Classic - Men’s Trail Pleasure - 5th
RMH Kentucky Downs Classic - Trail Pleasure Championship - 5th
RMH Tavares Championship Classic - Open Western - 1st
RMH Tavares Championship Classic - Trail Pleasure Stallions - 3rd

Pepper’s Capital Venture
RMH Kentucky Downs Classic - 3 YO Show Pleasure - 1st
RMH Tavares Championship Classic - 3 YO Show Pleasure - 3rd
RMH Tavares Championship Classic - Show Pleasure Geldings - 4th

Gaitway’s Jasmine Joy
RMH Kentucky Downs Classic - Open Western - 4th
RMH Tavares Championship Classic - Trail Pleasure Mares - 1st
RMH Tavares Championship Classic - Open Western - 5th
RMH Tavares Championship Classic - Mentor and Me - 3rd -Robert / Emma Deweese

RPM’s Squirrel’s Blackfoot
RMH Kentucky Downs Classic - Amateur Trail - 3rd - Regina Jones
RMH Tavares Championship Classic - Amateur Trail Pleasure - 2nd - Regina Jones

RRF Gold Nugget
RMH Kentucky Downs Classic - Ladies Show Pleasure - 2nd - Lyngle
RMH Kentucky Downs Classic - Show Pleasure Geldings - 1st
RMH Tavares Championship Classic - Ladies Show Pleasure - 1st - Lyngle
RMH Tavares Championship Classic - Trainers Class - 4th


The highlight of the whole weekend, however, was Robert's Mentor and Me class with Emma Deweese. Emma and her mom, Chris, came to Stoner Ridge Farm last summer to take lessons. Emma got to ride Jazzy during one of those times and that helped her feel confident riding her in the show ring in Franklin. The class was unusual because it grouped all the ways of going together. It also allowed all age juveniles to show in thta one class. Well, Emma and Jazzy looked beautiful together. Emma had the biggest smile all over her face. At the end of the class, they began calling off the places. The first two places were show pleasure then they called Emma and Jazzy! She dropped the reins on Jazzy's neck and clapped her hands together because she was so excited. She was thrilled! You see 13 year old Emma has had quite a time of it in her short life. She has a rare disease of the immune system and had to take chemo over 5 years. While her disease is not yet in remission, medication is helping keep it under control. She has to be very careful to stay out of the sun but other than that, she's doing really well right now. She is a joy to be around. I wish everyone could see the joy that was on her face at the end of the class . . .what a thrill!

42nd Annual Stidham Memorial Horse Show

The 42nd Annual Stidham Memorial Horse Show was a good one for Stoner Ridge Farm. It was one of those "Saturday Night" shows that are so fun to attend. The weather was beautiful; the atmosphere was great; and the horses were in fine shape for the show. We enjoyed having Tim and Marcia with us. Billie Hickey was also able to join us with Lauren and J.T. Marcia brought Charlie a butterscotch pie in honor of Baby Ruby's birthday . . . yes, she really did turn one year old today. Who can forget the Stidham Memorial last year when Baby Ruby was delivered by c-section three weeks early. Charlie even remembered that it was at 2:02 in the afternoon. Anyway, we did have a great show.

Our congratulations goes out to Robert and Jazzy in the Mares Country Trail Pleasure Class and their first place win. J.T. also rode Jazzy and did an excellent job placing 2nd. Stormy was a strong competitor placing 1st with Lauren in the 12-17 yo Trail Class, 1st with Tim in the Open Geldings class, 2nd with Marcia, and 3rd with J.T. Mike was a big winner at the Stidham Memorial placing 1st on The Cross Filly in a very strong class of 2-3 year olds. Robert placed 5th in the same class with Squirrel. I placed 5th on Nugget in the Non-Pro Classic Class. SRF's Silver Sundown did a great job in a large Trail Pleasure Stallions class placing 2nd and in the championship, he placed 3rd. Way to go everyone! You all looked great!

2009 UMH Ladies Auxiliary Show - Awesome!!!

We just returned today from the Ladies Auxiliary Show held in Prestonsburg, KY. It was a great show. The women who are members of the Ladies Auxiliary have been working since last year to get the show organized, gather sponsors, recruit volunteers, and make plans for having donations for their adopted charity - the Big Sandy Abuse Center for Women and Children. There were over 190 horses and nearly 500 entries at the show this weekend. Show manager, Julie Clark, kept the show running smoothly and did an outstanding job taking care of everyone. Nancy Copland is the Ladies Auxiliary president this year and she worked all weekend with the many tasks that must be done at a show of this caliber. Cyndee Breslin is a driving force behind the show. Our hats off to her. It was great to see Laurie Quincey Friday. She came to help and took entries all day.

The city of Prestonsburg has worked hard to create a facility that is accomodating to horse show exhibitors. Every year improvements have been made to the grounds. Plans are in the works to extend the roof of the barns to keep stalls dry when it rains. The Ladies Auxilary have voted to have the show there again next year but it will be more toward the middle of June because of available dates.

Intermittent showers didn't dampen the spirits of exhibitors or the quality of competition this weekend. The horses were absolutely phenomenal! I must admit there have been few shows that have been more exciting or that have had better horses than what showed at the Ladies Auxiliary Show. The classes were large and competition was really stiff. SRF had a great time with everyone who made it. Tim and Marcia Spencer were both on hand to show and did a great job in their classes. Tim placed second on Stormy in the I Show/Should Show with me. I showed the first way and he showed the second way. He placed second in a great amateur trail class. Marcia placed third with Stormy in her Novice Trail class also. They looked great. We really enjoyed the Hickey's this weekend too. Lauren did well in her classes. I was especially impressed with her Showmanship class where she placed second with Jazzy. J.T. also did a good job with Jazzy and Stormy in his classes placing third and fourth. I was so proud of J.T.'s determination as he showed in the trail obstacle class. Lauren placed second in Juvenile Versatility and J.T. placed third woo hoo! Our congratulations to Silver and Charlie for placing first in the Adult Versatility, Robert and Jazzy for second, and Squirrel and Robert for placing third. They were awesome. Stoner Ridge Farm had a great showing in trail obstacle - Silver was first, Nugget was second, and Squirrel was fifth. Squirrel had a unanimous first place decision in the Open Four Gait class with Sandman's Taking Chances placing third. We didn't get to have Steve Heuslein with us because of the birth of his new grand son, Slade, so I rode Jazzy with Robert in the Pro-Am class where we placed first. I also got to show Silver in the Ladies Auxiliary Trail class placing first as well. Mike and Cassie did an outstanding job with Roxie winning the Pro Am Classic class. More information will be available in the newsletter and on the web site Champion's page. Our next show will be this coming Saturday at the 43rd Annual Stidham Memorial in Stanton, KY. Hope you can come and join us. We have a blast!

39th Annual North Middletown Charity Horse Show

Stoner Ridge Farm, crew, and friends attended the 39th Annual North Middletown Charity Horse Show on Saturday. We took a light load of horses since the show was combined with Walking Horses. Years ago, this show was the first to add Rocky Mountain classes when the breed first began showing. It has a strong tradition. The ladies of the North Middletown Community Club bake pies, cakes, hams and prepare wonderful homemade goodies to sell and help benefit their many projects. The weather cleared and we had a great evening to show horses. The night got started off pretty well with SRF's Silver Sundown placing second in the Stallions Trail Pleasure class. The next class was Roxie with Mike up. He did a great job and they won their class in a decisive way. Congatulations to Howard and Terry Kleier! We were glad to have Lauren & J.T. Hickey showing with us. Lauren got a 4th on Jazzy and a 2nd on Stormy. J.T. also got a 4th on Stromy in a strong 11 and under trail class. Our congratulations goes out as well to Kaylee Potts for placing 2nd in her class on little T.J. It is so exciting to see these young people doing so well. There is so much to learn and so much to think about when you first start showing. We're really proud of their accomplishments so far. Another highlight of the evening was Pepper's Capital Venture who placed 1st in his 3 yo Stallions and Geldings class. Merry Go Blue showed in the Classic Championship and placed third. We had a fun evening with everyone. It was the first one night show we've been to this year. I had forgotten how fun they can be. Next weekend will find us in Owingsville at the KMSHA show. We're going to take a few horses that would benefit from some extra experience in the ring. The other horses will have a weekend off. They deserve it - everyone's been doing well. Come out and visit with us if you can. Show time is 5:00 P.M. on Friday.

Fonzie Graham

Today, we attended the funeral services for my uncle, Fonzie Graham. He was 91. Uncle Fonzie enjoyed life - especially his family and his horses. He was married to my Aunt Nell for 64 years before she passed away several years ago. They had four children, 12 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. In recent years, he was also close to a lady friend, Mavis Burton. They attended First Christian Church in Campton. Uncle Fonzie professed a strong christian faith and was a very giving man. If you ever visited him, you couldn't get away without eating an apple or taking some home grown vegetables with you as you left. Next to his family, Uncle Fonzie loved his horses. He was always anxious to show them to everyone. Many outstanding horses passed through his hands including Dock, Pete, Ben Jordan, and a horse that came to be known as Stoner Ridge Tom Cat that we were priviliged to own at one time. His herd of mares produced some great horses. He often traded back and forth with E.R. Davis. Uncle Fonzie and Vernon Stamper were also partners on several horses and worked together for years. It was through my uncle that we came to learn about the Rocky Mountain breed because he was one of the original members of the board of that association. He also owned the farm at one time where the Kentucky Equestrian Center is now located in Winchester. Bob and I began our married life together on that farm as well. His influence has been far-reaching. He will be greatly missed.

Big South Fork

What a great time we all had this weekend! If you have never been to Big South Fork, it is a place where you can truly get away from it all. . . . and that's just what we did. Robert, Mike, and Lisa headed south on Thursday to join up with Steve Heuslein at Wilderness Resort near Oneida, TN. I joined them after school on Friday. Don and Nancy Copland had planned on joining us as well but Don had to have surgery on his eye and they couldn't make it. We had a smaller crowd than usual this year but we were still able to continue some of the traditions that have been established over the years. Back in 2001, UMH folks came up with the idea to go to Big South Fork and ride together. Through the years we have a great time of fellowship riding the trails, watching the Kentucky Derby, and having games and a great meal afterwards. All the riders donate $50 to the UMH Associates Fund that goes to trainers who fall on hard times due to illness or disaster. Howard and Terry Kleier did most of the organizing and prepared our fantastic supper on Saturday. Myra Addington and Sharon Eskew prepared a great spread for our Derby Party. We all had a great time even though we did have to dodge the raindrops. We took Nugget, Silver, Jazzy, Capital Venture, and Lisa's mare Star to ride. Isn't it great that our show horses make great trail horses too. We really enjoyed Steve's company. He has to come a long way and makes a great effort to be with us as often as possible. Hopefully, next year we'll be able to have more folks join in the fun. It was great!

Carson Masters Spring Premier

SRF's Silver Sundown

Stoner Ridge Farm crew and clients had a great time this past weekend at the Spring Premier held in Winchester at the KEC. The weather was warm and windy but the horses didn't seem to mind. It was a great time for a horse show. We took 14 horses. Cesario and Lisa joined Robert, Charlie, Mike, and me to make sure had enough help to get everyone ready for their classes. All the horses did well. It is always exciting early in the year because there are so many horses making their debut in the ring. We took the Cross Filly for Dale Honn for her maiden voyage around the show ring. Mike did a great job and the filly performed well in a tough classes. CD's Girl's Got Rhythm also made her show debut. She placed 4th in a really challenging classic class She is for sale, by the way, and the proceeds will go to UMH to support the show program. Our young horses that have just begun showing looked wonderful. Pepper's Capital Venture owned by Steve Heuslein made his strongest showing yet placing 2nd in the 3 yo Classic Stallions/Geldings class. Sandman's Taking Cances (Manny) owned by Don and Nancy Copland placed second in the the Open Four Gait class. Mountain Vista Thunder showed in a very challenging classic stallions class. He improves with every show. He's owned by Bob and Marty Morris. LA Bud's Rock My World (Roxie) owned by Howard and Terry Kleier made a great show under Mike Butler's direction. She was awesome. We have great hopes for her this year. She has so much style! Another awesome horse this weekend was RPM's Squirrel's Blackfoot owned by Randy and Regina Jones. He won the Open Four Gait and 2 & 3 yo Trail Pleasure class. Woo Hoo! He also placed 5th in Conformation and Pro Am which led to 2nd place in Adult Versatility. Congratulations! Our more experienced horses included Barb' Stormy Knight. We took him for Marcia Spencer to show in the novice and amateur class. Nancy also showed him in the Ladies Auxiliary Trail class. Merry Go Blue was beautiful as always in the the Classic Stallions class placing 3rd. Legendary Lady was great in Trail Obstacle with her owner Judy Brummer in the irons. She placed 2nd in a class of 16 horses. She also placed 3rd in the Pro Am Trail class and 5th for Adult Versatility. Nugget was ridden by Charlie, his trainer, and by Steve and me (Lyngle). He placed first in the Gelding Classic class and Non Pro. Steve and Charlie placed 4th in the Pro Am class and Nugget placed 5th in the championship. Sonny's Smokey Mountain had several great rides including Pro Am and the Gelding's Classic class placing 5th. Gaitway's Jasmine Joy won the Open Western class with a great performance. She also placed 2nd with Steve in the Country Trail Mares class and 4th in the Pro Am CTP class leading her to place 3rd for Adult Versatility. SRF's Silver Sundown, however, had the best show of the weekend. Highlights included winning the Adult Versatility, Trail Obstacle, Men's Trail, and the Trail Pleasure Championship. UMH has a Triple Crown Award. Horses must win a championship in their division at the Spring Premier, Summer Celebration, and Kentucky State. Silver will be in the running! Only one horse has ever won this prestigious award. We're lookin forward to future competitons. We're really proud of the horse's accomplishments.

Stoner Ridge Takes Three Phase Honors

The annual Three Phase Event was held at the Kentucky Equestrian Center in Winchester, KY yesterday. It was a beautiful day for this type of competition. Horses had to compete in dressage, stadium obstacle, and cross country (no jumps). Due to storms being forcast for today, the cross country portion of the competition was run late yesterday afternoon. Stoner Ridge Farm had five horses to compete. Three of the horses had two different riders. We were really proud of how well everyone did! They were the stars of the show. You'll be able to read more about the event in the May newsletter. See results of Beginner Novice and Novice below. SRF had no horses competing at the Training level. See the Three Phase web site for full results (www.threephaseevent.org). Congratulations!

SRF Overall winners:

AGMH High Point Ribbon - Legendary Lady

High Point Over All Beginner Novice/Novice Barb's Stormy Knight

Novice Adult: 1st Erin DeAtley - Barb's Stormy Knight, 2nd Charlie DeAtley - SRF's Silver Sundown, 3rd Robert Lawson - Legendary Lady, 4th Robert Lawson - Gaitway's Jasmine Joy

Beginner Novice Adult: 1st Judy Brummer - Legendary Lady and 3rd Mike Butler on Sonny's Smokey Mountain

Youth Novice: 1st Lauren Hickey - Gaitway's Jasmine Joy

Youth Beginner Novice: 2nd Lauren Hickey - Barb's Stormy Knight

Individual Element of Dressage: 1st Erin on Barb's Stormy Knight and 2nd Robert on Legenday Lady

Individual Element of Stadium Obstacle: 1st Judy Brummer on Legendary Lady and 2nd Charlie on SRF's Silver Sundown

Individual Element of Cross Country: 1st Charlie on SRF's Silver Sundown

KMSHA Junior Robinson Memorial Horse Show

Even with the gloomy skies and bad weather warnings, the Junior Robinson Memorial Horse Show at the Horse Park began with only slight a delay on Friday. Randy and Regina Jones were here all the way from Conway, AR. Tim and Marcia Spencer from Georgetown joined us and Nancy Copland came on Saturday. Regina was excited to be showing their 3 year old colt, RPM Squirrel's Blackfoot herself for the first time. Marcia has been taking lessons on Stormy and decided that she was ready to show too. Robert recommended the novice trail class where the ladies did a great job! They were well prepared and confident. Regina placed second and Marcia placed third. Congratulations ladies! They went on to show in the amateur class. Nancy showed Stormy in the amateur championship and placed third in tough competition. Way to go! We took 7 horses and they all placed in their classes. Congratulations to Silver Sundown for his outstanding performances. He won the trail pleasure stallions class, placed 3rd in conformation, 2nd in trail obstacle and western. He also placed 3rd in the trail pleasure championship. His success allowed him to place reserve for the Junior Robinson Memorial Award for stallions. Mike did a great job on Sonny's Smokey Mountain placing 3rd in his under saddle class and trail obstacle which also led to a reserve placement for the mares/geldings division of the same award. We were really impressed with Squirrel's performance this weekend. It was his first show this year and he was so steady on the rail it was hard to believe. In his first open four gait class he received a unanimous first place tie from all three judges. Charlie rode Highland's Poudre Bell (her first show ever) to place second in the four gait class and fourth in her under saddle class. Another 'newbie' was Highland's Poudre Java. Mike rode him to a third place tie in his trail pleasure class. Pepper's Capital Venture also showed well placing fifth in a tough three year old gelding/mare class. It's cool to watch the young ones grow and develop. We had a good time visiting with everyone in spite of some rain and and cold temperatures.

Al Prewitt Memorial Horse Show

The Al Prewitt Memorial Horse Show in Fletcher, NC turned out to be a great one for Stoner Ridge Farm. We had lots of excited clients join us for the first shows of the season (it actually counted as two separate shows). Bob Morris from PA, Nancy Copland from IN, Judy Brummer from IL, Steve Heuslein from MN, all came from out of state to see their horses show. Terry Kleier, Cassie Thompson and Marcia and Tim Spencer all came from here in KY. We had a great time. There were over 90 classes in the two day period so we all worked really hard to get all the horses ready to show and entered in their appropriate classes. Special congratulations goes to SRF's Silver Sundown (owned by Steve Heuslein) for his many wins over the two days. He won the Stallion Trail Pleasure class, Open Western, Trail Obstacle, and both Trail Pleasure Championships - Woo Hoo! Steve also placed him second in the Amateur Trail class. His many wins helped him win the Versatility Award as well. One of Steve's other horses, Gaitway's Jasmine Joy also did very well at this show. She placed second in Versatility and won the Country Trail Pleasure Mares, the Amateur Country Trail Pleasure, and placed reserve in the championship with Steve in the irons. Congratulations! Other horses did well also. Sandman's Taking Chances owned by Nancy Copland won the canter class his very first time at a show. He also placed in his other classes. Judy Brummer's 9 year old mare, Legenday Lady (two time Sam Tuttle winner) won the Mares Trail Pleasure class with Judy up. Way to go Judy! Other horses that ribboned this weekend were Highland's Poudre Lyric, Pepper's Capital Venture, Mountain Vista Thunder, RRF Gold Nugget, and Sonny's Smokey Mountain. Our congratulations goes out to Cassie Thompson for winning the Juvenile Versatility and the Jacob Lutz Youth Memorial Award. The Al Prewitt Memorial Horse Show was especially well attended this year. I have never seen this quality of horses so early in the year. There were actually 19 horses in the 4 and over conformation class! It was a great competition.

Clinton Jones Wins Natural Horse Vet Natural Horsemanship Trainer's Challenge

Even though Saturday morning was cold, the competition was hot at the Natural Horse Vet Natural Horsemanship Trainer's Challenge held at Stoner Ridge Farm. Clinton Jones, Tim Scarberry, and Chris Tipton were all charged with the task of starting three Merry Go Blue two year old geldings. The challenging part, was that they only had a total of three hours to start their horse and build enough foundation that would allow their horse to be ridden successfully through a trail obstacle course. It was amazing what all three trainers were able to accomplish! When time was up, it was unbelievable what these horses could do. The trainers had to ride their horse at a walk, intermediate gait, and canter, pick up all four feet, back, weave through cones, walk over ground poles, step over an elevated pole, and drag a bag. For additional points their horse had to push a 6' ball out of a circle. An additional element was the free style where trainers choose skills to show what their horse had learned. Chris played polo with Rainy Day Blues while Tim Scarberry had Singing the Blues up on a six foot wooden box - then he turned a leaf-blower on his new equine friend with no resistance. Clinton Jones, however, had the most extensive free style. He began with a spray bottle and moved on to cracking a whip while standing on his horse's back. He also used a chain saw (with the chain removed) to demonstrate his horse's trust. Finally, he rode Maximum Blue bareback with an 8' x 10' tarp spread over him - he rode with only one lead rope as a rein. Wow! It was too cool. We really appreciate the great turn out and all our sponsors! Yee Haw - if you weren't here you really missed out on a great opportunity to learn about different colt starting styles and seeing these excellent trainers in action. The point spread was within 14 out of about 700 points possible. The guys were totally awesome! Be sure to check out the newsletter that will be posted on the web site on April 1st for additional photos and more detail about this great competition.

Road to the Horse 2009

Our congratulations to Richard Winters for winning the Road to the Horse competition in Franklin, TN today! He did an oustanding job working his horse in the round pen yesterday and continued what he started today. He had the right combination of sensitivity and control that helped his horse learn. The trail obstacle part of the program was the most challenging we've seen. Horses had to walk, trot, canter, back, turn a 180, and the riders had to mount and dismount. Then they had to go through the obstacles which included serpentines, spiraling raised poles, regular ground poles, elevated poles, lasso, drag, jump, and the patience box (horses had to stand calmly as long as possible). Finally, there was an optional obstacle where the horse had to approach a cage of live chickens. All the competitors, Richard Winters, John Lyons, and Tommy Garland did a fantastic job with their quarter horses. We had a blast!

Be sure to make room in your calender - next Saturday, March 21st, Stoner Ridge Farm will be hosting the Natural Horse Vet (R) Natural Horsemanship Trainer's Challenge. Three Merry Go Blue geldings will be started in round pens by trainers Chris Tipton, Tim Scarberry, and Clinton Jones. Our judges will be Laurie Quincey, Charlie DeAtley, and Erin DeAtley. We are excited about the competition. It is an opportunity to see Mountain Horse training at it's best!

A Lot of Learnin' Going on

Last Saturday, Stoner Ridge Farm was the site of the 2009 Youth Clinic organized by Terry Kleier. Several different groups of young equestrians came - UMH Youth, KMSHA Youth and their new director, and a group from the Clark County 4 H program. Several adults were also here. We had folks from Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and North Carolina besides the home folk here in Kentucky. All together we had 30 - 35 people here. It was great to see everyone working together to help young people learn more about gaited horses. The morning activities began with a test . . . that's right, a test. As part of her instruction, gaited horse judge, Kelley France, gave attendees the UMH judge's test. They also had to judge a couple of live classes. It was a pretty effective technique to help the kids experience the show ring from a judge's point of view. They also received instruction on Equitation and Showmanship from Natalie Wright who explained some of the techniques and the attire required for success in these specialized classes. Robert also gave some tips on helping to get horses ready for versatility training. He used a large ball (about four foot in diameter) to show everyone how to help desensitize their horses to scary objects moving toward them. We had a great day full of friends, education, and pizza. Thanks to everyone who came and to Terry for getting everything set up. Look for more comments about the clinic in the next SRF newsletter.

We Have 3 Extra Road to the Horse Tickets

If you have never attended The Road to the Horse Competition, it's a phenomenal event. It is a trainer's challenge where nationally known trainers start 3 year old gelding quarter horses and then take them through a series of obstacles with just three hours training. This year John Lyons will be among the trainers. You can go to their web site to learn more www.roadtothehorse.com. The event will be held in Franklin, TN on March 14-15. It begins at 11:00 on Sat. Well, Robert and I purchased a block of 6 tickets this year, but we only need three of them. We'd be glad to sell the tickets for what they cost us - $57 each. The event is sold out. We also have an extra room that is reserved for the weekend. Please let us know by Wednesday March 11th if anyone is interested. We've attended 3 or 4 trainer's challenges and thoroughly enjoy it every year. We hate to see these tickets go to waste.

Al Prewitt Memorial

The show bill for the Al Prewitt Memorial in Asheville, NC is on the home page of the UMH web site (http://www.unitedmountainhorse.net/). It does not state it on the show bill but Friday is one show and Saturday is a totally separate show. For example, if you win the Open Western Class on Friday, you will receive 15 points toward your year-end high point award. If you get a second on Saturday, you will receive 13 points for that accomplishment and have 28 points total toward the high point award after this show.

There will be one adult and one juvenile Versatility Award that will be spread across both days. In the Open Western class example above, only one of those scores for that class will count toward the Versatility Award. As you are making plans, I just wanted everyone to know how that show will work this year.

The Holiday Inn Airport, 550 Airport Rd., Fletcher, NC 828,684.1213 is the host hotel. I booked 4 rooms before the group rate was established. When I called tonight to check to see if I could get a better rate, they were most cooperative. So . . . don't forget to tell the registration clerk about the show. It will make a huge difference in your rate (about $25 per room per day). We're looking forward to our first show. Hope everyone can make it!